Work Related Upper Limb Disorder Claims *

Work Related Upper Limb Disorder Claim *

A work-related upper limb disorder * is the name given to the disorder which causes aches and pains in any part of the body from the fingers up to the shoulder. It also includes problems and issues with the muscles, tendons and ligaments. It is caused by continuously carrying out repetitive or strenuous tasks over a long period of time. Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULD) is the name given to the group of injuries that are commonly caused by overuse. It is common that employers are found liable for the development of a WRULD as they may have failed to show a reasonable duty of care and did not follow health and safety regulations.

Upper limb disorders are diagnosed as work-related if it is found that it was caused by a work-related activity. If it is found that an employer has acted in a negligent manner and did not have the necessary precautions in place to prevent injuries then they may be found liable for the cause of accident or injury *. It is important that if you have sustained an injury at work * that you report this to your manager so that they can improve the work environment in order to prevent it from happening again.

Symptoms of a Work-related limb disorder include tenderness of the injured area, swelling, stiffness, weakness, a feeling of numbness and pain and discomfort. It is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after you become aware of your injuries. It can be difficult to diagnose this condition in the early stages as symptoms can become progressively worse over time.

Types of Work-Related Limb Disorders

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is the name given to inflammation of the tendons. There are a number of different variations of this injury and it can occur all over the body. Symptoms of tendinitis can be hard to determine as there are many different types of injury.

Diffuse Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

This is the name that a doctor gives to an injury when pain is felt but there is no cause can be determined for this. Symptoms of Diffuse RSI will vary for each individual.

Vibration White Finger

This is a common industrial injury which is caused by prolonged use of vibrating tolls and equipment in the workplace. Common symptoms include tingling and numbness in the fingertips and aches and pains in the arms, hands and fingers.

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

This injury is very similar to Vibration White Finger in which it is caused by prolonged use of vibrating hand-operated tools during the course of work. It is very common in the construction industry and symptoms can include a loss of feeling in the fingers and a feeling of tingling and numbness in the fingers.

Epicondylitis

This injury is more commonly known as tennis elbow. It is caused by movements which repetitively stretch tendons and it affects the tendons on the outer side of the elbow. Symptoms can include pain and discomfort in both the arm and elbow and may also cause limited movement in the arm area.

Tenosynovitis

This is the name given to the condition in which the synovium which surrounds the tendons becomes inflamed. It can cause stiffness, swelling and pain of the joints. Tenosynovitis can be either infectious or non-infectious and can be caused by various factors.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A common cause o carpal tunnel syndrome is regular, repetitive strain on hands, fingers or wrists. This strain puts pressure on the nerves which facilitate movement of the fingers and hands. Symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness and a tingling sensation in the affected area.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

This is a disorder which causes discomfort in the tendons in the upper body. RSI is very common among office workers who would spend a lot of time typing at a computer screen each day. This injury can cause chronic pain and discomfort for those affected.

Causes ofWork-Related Upper Limb Disorders

Carrying out the same task for an extended period of time

Repetitive work activities

Working in uncomfortable positions

Poor working conditions and environment

Badly designed equipment such as office chairs and keyboards

Inadequate breaks throughout the day

Overuse

How to prevent work-related upper limb disorders

Equipment

It is important that an employer provides all employees with the correct equipment which is needed throughout the course of their work. This equipment should meet the health and safety standards which are in place.

Risk Assessments

It is very important that and employer carries out frequent risk assessments in order to identify and eliminate any potential hazards which are present in the workplace. These assessments should be carried out on a regular basis and employees should be made aware of the results of these so that they are also aware of the conditions of their working environment.

Training

Employers should ensure that all employees have had the correct health and safety training. They should know how to correctly lift and move objects so as to avoid an overuse injury. If employees are trained on what to do in certain situations then the risk of an injury or accident occurring is reduced.

If an employer fails to provide training and equipment then they are likely to be found responsible if an accident or injury was to happen. A breach in duty of care can mean that employee’s health and safety is put at risk and employers will be found to be acting in a negligent manner.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CASE

If you would like to discuss any aspect of this topic or would like more information on the process of making a claim for work related upper limb disorder *, feel free to contact our solicitors on 01 649 9900 or email ask@traceysolicitors.ie.

With over 30 years’ experience, Tracey Solicitors ensure not to overwhelm you with legal jargon and can provide you with legal advice and guidance with your best interest at heart, in a language that you can understand.

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